GST Annual Return — GSTR-9

Who is required to file GSTR-9 (GST Annual Return)?

Every GST-registered taxpayer who files regular monthly/quarterly returns (GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B) must file GSTR-9 for each financial year. Exemptions: Composition scheme taxpayers (they file GSTR-9A), Input Service Distributors, TDS/TCS deductors, and casual/non-resident taxable persons. From FY 2021-22 onwards, taxpayers with turnover below ₹2 crore are exempt from mandatory GSTR-9 but can file voluntarily.

What is the due date for GSTR-9 for FY 2025-26?

The due date for GSTR-9 for FY 2025-26 (the financial year ending 31 March 2026) is 31 December 2026. The government has consistently extended this deadline in past years, but businesses should plan to file well before the deadline to avoid the ₹200/day late fee.

What is the difference between GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C?

GSTR-9 is the annual return summarising the year's outward supplies, inward supplies, ITC claimed, and taxes paid. It is filed by all regular taxpayers (turnover above ₹2 crore). GSTR-9C is a reconciliation statement that compares data in GSTR-9 with audited financial statements — it is required only for taxpayers with annual aggregate turnover above ₹5 crore. From FY 2020-21, GSTR-9C is self-certified by the taxpayer (no longer requires CA certification on the form itself).

What is the late fee for not filing GSTR-9 on time?

Late fee for GSTR-9: ₹200 per day (₹100 CGST + ₹100 SGST) subject to a maximum of 0.25% of annual turnover in the state. For example, a business with ₹1 crore turnover has a maximum late fee cap of ₹25,000. The government has periodically waived/reduced late fees for GSTR-9 under amnesty schemes.

Can I claim additional ITC in GSTR-9 that I missed in monthly returns?

GSTR-9 is primarily a reconciliation return — it consolidates data from monthly returns. Additional ITC that was available but not claimed in GSTR-3B can be declared in Table 13 of GSTR-9, but this ITC can only be claimed in GSTR-3B of the current year up to the due date (November 30th following the end of the financial year). GSTR-9 itself does not create a separate ITC credit.

What if GSTR-9 shows excess ITC claimed compared to GSTR-2B?

If GSTR-9 reveals that ITC claimed in monthly GSTR-3B returns exceeds what is available in GSTR-2B (i.e., supplier filed returns), you must pay the differential tax amount along with 18% interest from the date of original ITC claim. Our CA identifies these discrepancies early to minimise interest burden.

Is there a turnover threshold below which GSTR-9 is not required?

Yes. For FY 2021-22 onwards, taxpayers with annual aggregate turnover up to ₹2 crore are exempted from mandatory GSTR-9 filing. They can file voluntarily if they wish. Taxpayers between ₹2 crore and ₹5 crore must file GSTR-9 but not GSTR-9C. Above ₹5 crore, both GSTR-9 and GSTR-9C are mandatory.

What sections does GSTR-9 contain?

GSTR-9 has 6 parts and 19 tables: Part I (basic details), Part II (outward and inward supplies — Tables 4 to 8), Part III (ITC declared and ITC reversal — Tables 6 to 13), Part IV (tax paid — Table 9), Part V (transactions for previous FY declared in current FY returns — Tables 10 to 14), Part VI (other information including HSN-wise summary, late fees — Tables 15 to 19). The form auto-populates data from filed GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B, which you then verify and correct.

Can GSTR-9 be revised after filing?

No. Once GSTR-9 is filed, it cannot be revised or amended. This makes it critical to prepare it accurately before submission. Our CAs prepare a draft for your review before final filing.

How long does it take to prepare and file GSTR-9?

For a typical business with 12 months of clean records: 3–5 working days for data compilation and reconciliation, 1–2 days for CA review and draft preparation, 1 day for client review and payment of differential tax (if any), and filing within the same day. Total: 5–8 working days from complete data submission.